Pujiman <-> Pujiman: Bushmen <-> Bushmen

A unique cross-cultural exchange between tribes from the Western Desert in Australia and the Kalahari in Namibia

The Ju/’hoansi of Namibia’s Kalahari Basin and the Martu of Australia’s Western Desert are two of the last cultures on the planet to live traditional nomadic lives - hunting, gathering and thriving on ancestral desert country into the mid 20th century.

Despite being separated by an ocean, both the traditional cultural knowledge and the more recent journeys to self-determination for the Ju/’hoansi and Martu people, are uncannily similar.

What’s the Plan?

In line with the shared core cultural value of Reciprocity (‘Puntaju’ / ‘Hxaro’), the project’s lead participants intend to host at least two cultural exchange trips in situ on Ju/’hoansi & Martu country.

Having come together, they plan to:

  • Share elders’ traditional knowledge of country and culture;

  • Discuss perspectives on contemporary governance and community leadership;

  • Lay the foundations for a creative arts collaboration to tell their own stories to the world.

Why is this important?

  • Intergenerational Transmission of Elders’ Knowledge

  • Reinforcing Elders’ Authority and Community Cohesion

  • Cultural Safety, Pride in Identity, Wellbeing, & Healing Trauma

  • Cross-cultural Perspectives, Networks & Self-determination

  • All Generations’ and Genders’ Voices

What are we seeking?

The first trip will take place in November 2025 - when Martu elders, artists, and community leaders will travel to Ju/’hoansi country. This trip will cost about AUD$7500 per traveller.

Priority #1 is to fund two more participants for the cultural exchange - a female Martu elder, and a middle-aged Martu man.

Priority #2 is to fund two more participants again - a young Martu film-maker and a creative mentor.

They will work with younger generations to further document their elders’ knowledge during the cultural exchange, and to tell their own stories to the world. We also hope to showcase some of their work to potential funders to help us achieve trip 2 in Q3 2026.

Your donation will go directly toward:

  • ✈️ Flights and travel logistics for Martu participants

  • 🛖 Accommodation and meals during the workshop

  • 📷 Equipment and materials for creative exchange

  • 🤝 Cultural mentorship and on-ground support

Every contribution, big or small, brings this vision closer to life.

Donate

Camera Story Ltd. is a registered charity. All donations over $AUD 2.00 are tax deductible.